If you’ve ever wanted space in your home that’s devoted to music, turning a spare room into a music room is a good idea. It’ll promote family time as each member takes on a specific instrument, or can serve as an individual’s private space as she spends time alone with her music. Whether your musical tastes are classical or heavy metal, a few additions to a room convert it into an enjoyable music room.

Location and Size

Determine what room you want to designate as the music room. If possible, avoid one on an upper level to eliminate the need for deep soundproofing of the floors. A middle-level room is the most work-involved transformation, while a basement music room is easily converted. Regardless of the location, measure the dimensions to determine the amount of equipment the room can hold.

Soundproofing

Attach soundproof tiles to the ceiling and studio foam to the walls, inside the window frame and door. Put sealing tape around the frame of the door to prevent sound from leaking out. Cover the window with dense blackout drapery fabric for further soundproofing. Lay soundproof material under the floor and put carpeting over it. Clap your hands to hear whether the sound reverberates or is totally absorbed. Neither is a good sound for a music room, and means adjustments in the quantity of soundproofing. Start with removing some studio foam.

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Electricals

Machines that plug in need heavy duty electrical outlets, especially if many are used at the same time. You may wish to increase the power in your electrical box. Adding additional outlets on all walls gives you space for all instruments and keeps you from having to run wires across the floor.

Equipment

The size of the room determines the equipment you can set up. If you need a piano, take into account the floor space a baby grand takes up and consider an upright instead. Also think about getting the piano up or down the stairs, if that’s the case. You might want to consider using an electrical keyboard. Guitars and their racks take up little space, music stands can be folded for storage, and floor amps can be tucked into the corner. A karaoke machine can also be stored in the closet when not in use. A drum set is probably the biggest piece of equipment and must be measured before bringing it into the room. Also consider where microphones and stands are to be placed.

Baffles

Individual sound baffles prevent the sound from one instrument bleeding into the sound of another. They’re used in recording sessions and if you plan to cut your own CDs, separate your sounds and microphone for each instrument with a baffle as it plays into the control board.

References

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About the Author

Jann Seal is published in magazines throughout the country and is noted for her design and decor articles and celebrity *in-home* interviews. An English degree from the University of Maryland and extensive travels and relocations to other countries have added to her decorating insight.